Thread by @mansoortshams

POWERFUL THREAD: My sister a Police Officer opens up on George Floyd. She’s not on Twitter so took her words from FB & posted here.

“Several friends & family have reached out to me the past few days about the George Floyd killing/death by the officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

People expressing their concerns with heavy hearts, anger, sadness and frustration about racial injustice, police brutality, distrust for police, our broken systems etc. I don’t like to comment on cases without having all the research/facts.

At times many incidents presented in society or by the media are not the full factual story. Often times we see bits and pieces of information involving propaganda and fueling political agendas or ulterior motives by certain groups.

I watched the video of the George Floyd arrest. I don’t know what happened prior to the arrest but either way, what I saw was absolutely wrong and disturbing, there are no words. I saw a black man detained/arrested on the ground.

I was shocked to see an officer have his weighted knee on George Floyd’s neck for several minutes while George Floyd was already detained/handcuffed. There was compliance, there was no physical altercation at the time, there was no threat at the time.

This officer was not abiding by his department’s policy/training. A knee to the neck is not an approved method of restraining a subject. George Floyd said he couldn’t breathe and asked the officer to stop. Rendering medical aid and contacting EMS are part of an officers duties.

This officer never repositioned himself off of George Floyd. I was shocked, saddened and angry to see that none of the other officers who were on scene stopped this officer. I asked myself why didn’t one of the fellow officers stop him? correct him?

What occurred in this incident was a complete disregard for human life. These officers’ poor judgment and actions killed George Floyd. Officers are supposed to protect and serve. What occurred in this horrific/tragic incident was the opposite.

The officers involved in this incident should be appropriately charged and prosecuted for killing and causing the death of George Floyd. I pray for the Floyd family, friends and loved ones. That they may have strength/grace during this difficult time.

Are there bad officers out there who should not be police officers ? Yes.
Do these bad officers represent the entire law enforcement community ? No.

There are many men/women that I personally know and work with who are good officers.

These officers genuinely got in this profession to help others, to protect, to serve, to endanger their own life for others, to better their communities, to mentor, to bridge the gap between racial issues.

The law enforcement profession is a difficult profession, you are exposed to things many will never see. You respond to 911 calls, you respond to people in crisis, domestic assaults, armed robberies, child abuse, fatal accidents, rape, suicide, overdoses, murder,

death notifications, mental health etc . Not everyone can do this job, it’s a calling. But no group, religion, people, race, sex, profession etc. should be labeled based on the actions of some bad ones who tarnish it. That only perpetuates the cycle of hate and ignorance.

Our country has come a long way from slavery, the oppression of minorities, social/racial injustices, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We need to unite, stop the division, stop the hate, address the issues in our society/country.

Work hard for better change for all people. Be kind to each other, help each other.

I am a minority and an immigrant (from Kashmir Pakistan with Lebanese Middle Eastern ancestory). I come from humble beginnings myself.

My family brought me to this country when I was 3 years old to escape poverty and religious persecution. I grew up in Baltimore City with a single parent, I lived on section 8, welfare, food stamps, foster home.

I grew up around poverty, violence and lived in predominantly black neighborhoods. I witnessed friends and people I knew die from violence and go to jail. I witnessed and experienced racial and social injustices.

I have an older brother who honorably served as a Marine and speaks out about racial/religious prejudices/discrimination. I have 3 sisters and a brother who are half African American. I have cousins/nephews who are half Spanish and White.

My family, friends, co-workers are filled of great people from every race/religion/background. We as people, as human beings need to continue to speak up and stand for what’s right.

I am frustrated, angry and saddened to see what happened to George Floyd.

I trust there will be justice for his life. George Floyd did not deserve to die the way he did. My prayers go out to the Floyd family. It is sad to see the riots, destruction and what is currently occurring in Minneapolis, Minnesota now.

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

“But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society.

These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear?”

I will end with this, many of us will continue to fight the good fight and continue to try to show the community that we are here to help, protect and serve despite those that tarnish the badge and abuse their powers.

I love, respect & pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in blue who uphold the badge with honor, respect, integrity and compassion for all.”